# Elusive Reflective Office Buildings MVRDV's Design for 'The Milestone' Features "Crystal Rock" By Joey Haar | Published 2018-01-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-milestone References: [archdaily](https://www.archdaily.com/888083/mvrdv-design-crystal-rock-facade-for-mixed-use-building-in-esslingen) Rotterdam-based global architecture firm [MVRDV](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schieblocks) has recently released its initial concept designs for 'The [Milestone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milestone-table)', a mixed-use office building slated to be erected in Esslingen, Germany. The building has a striking, camouflaged appearance that comes from its [translucent, semi-reflective facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsinki-design-and-architecture-museum), making it look like a building from some far-flung sci-fi universe. The Milestone's facade will be made from a material that MVRDV is referring to as "crystal rock". The precise makeup of that material has not yet been announced, but it promises to be a spectacular sight. Beyond the facade's upper levels, the lower stories of the building will feature a pixelated cut-out in the shape of Esslingen's city boundaries, and MVRDV will use projection technology to turn that shape into a live-updating map of events and important information throughout the city. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Translucent Facades:** Opportunity to develop new materials and techniques for creating translucent facades that give buildings a unique, sci-fi appearance. - **Projection Technology Integration:** Opportunity to explore the integration of projection technology in architecture to create dynamic and interactive facades for buildings. - **Pixelated Cut-outs:** Opportunity to incorporate pixelated cut-outs in building designs as a way to showcase local identity and create visual interest. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architecture firms can explore new approaches and materials for facade design to create visually striking buildings. - **Construction Materials:** Opportunity for development and production of new materials specifically designed for translucent facades in architecture. - **Technology:** Tech companies can explore the use of projection technology in integrating dynamic visual elements into building facades. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Layered Office Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schieblocks.md) - [Rurally-Inspired City Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ziel-highrise-building.md) - [Recycled Glass Retail Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bulgari-shanghai.md) - [Office Building Rainbow Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertical-rainbow-office.md) - [Captivating Viewpoint-Integrated Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portlantis.md) - [Curved Glass Veiled Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiffany-co-store.md) - [Diamond-Inspired Luxe Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-miami.md) - [Pixelated Illusion Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-b.md) - [Eco-Conscious Slim Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muraba-veil.md)